外卖大战背面故事：举步维艰的火锅店与倔强反抗的川菜馆

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing food delivery subsidy war is significantly impacting the pricing power of restaurant businesses, leading to a struggle for survival in a highly competitive environment [1][4]. Group 1: Impact on Traditional Dining - Restaurant owners are facing challenges as low-priced delivery options are eroding the customer base for dine-in services, with some customers opting for cheaper delivery meals even when dining nearby [3]. - High average order values in certain food categories, like hot pot, make it difficult for these businesses to compete with lower-priced items offered through delivery platforms [3][4]. - The pressure to participate in delivery platform promotions creates a vicious cycle where restaurants must sacrifice profitability to gain visibility [3]. Group 2: Profitability Concerns - The profit margins for restaurants are declining due to heavy subsidies, with some businesses reporting that they receive as little as 1.69 yuan from a 19 yuan drink after accounting for various costs [4]. - Some restaurant owners are resorting to using cheaper ingredients to maintain profitability, which raises concerns about food quality [4]. - Despite the challenges, some businesses see potential benefits in consumer education and increased brand visibility through delivery platforms [4]. Group 3: Alternative Strategies - Some restaurant owners are opting out of the delivery platform wars and instead focusing on direct customer relationships through private channels like WeChat [6][8]. - By reducing reliance on third-party platforms, businesses can regain pricing power and control over customer interactions, leading to a more sustainable business model [8][12]. - The shift towards direct sales and building a private customer base is seen as a viable path for restaurants to navigate the current market challenges [8][13]. Group 4: Industry Dynamics - The competition among delivery platforms is reshaping consumer behavior and may lead to a long-term shift in shopping habits from physical stores to online platforms [11]. - The ongoing subsidy wars are prompting calls from industry associations for more sustainable practices and a reduction in aggressive competition among delivery platforms [12]. - The balance between leveraging platform benefits and maintaining independent operations is a critical challenge for many small and medium-sized enterprises in the industry [13].